Kiss and Makeup

Vogue Fashion Night Out: Part One

2011-09-13T21:50:00.001+01:00

Fancy late night shopping, with cocktails, fashion shows and free goodies and discount? I thought it sounded like fun so last Thursday I went to London where Vogue was holding its annual fashion night out and what fun!

At first I went to John Lewis on Oxford Street was treated to some champagne and a fashion show. I also had the privilege of doing some mini interviews with a few of the designers.

Loren Taylor is definitely one of the new designers to watch. From bespoke clutch bags to beautiful everyday handbags there are a few which I would absolutely love. My favourite is the red Immi bag which would be fabulous for the office. Not only are they gorgeous and practical but they’re also hand-made from the finest materials and only produced in small quantities. This means the bags are both well made and pretty unique! Although they’re not Topshop prices (I’m going to have to save my pennies), they are surprisingly good value for the quality, designer name and the fact that they are handmade to order.

Picture used with the kind permision of Loren Talyor

And the designer Loren is so sweet, I wish I had spent the time to speak to her a little longer. I wasn’t really expecting to be able to actually talk to any of the designers so I was really pleased when she agreed to answer a couple of my questions. (Although this isn’t a direct quote because I didn’t have a Dictaphone).

My question was: “What is the inspiration behind your Autumn/Winter bags?”

Loren told me about how she grew up in Africa, in the outdoors with a lot of exotic colours. When she travels she takes lots of pictures to keep as inspiration. She also told me how she takes inspiration from British fashion design and designers.

Immi Bag in purple

My second question was: “What is your favourite bag?”

Loren said her favourite bag is also the Immi bag but in white.

If you are interested in any of Loren’s bags they can be bought at www.lorentaylor.co.uk or from John Lewis.

I also managed to have a few words with Mischa Barton who seemed a little flustered, bless her!

I asked Mischa "what inspires you?" and she told me what inspires her life was the charity work she does, in particular with children’s charities.

She supports some great charities including: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/ and http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/ Please support them if you can.

In terms of her bags she said she was inspired by Vintage bags that she has and sees in vintage fairs and also films but that she can get inspiration from absolutely everywhere.

My John Lewis Purchase of the night, perfect for my new job :)

Coming up in part two: More designer interviews and styling/phototgraphy by Vogue.

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Brighton Baby

2011-09-04T21:18:00.002+01:00

All pictures by me. :)

Hey Guys,

Yesterday my housemate and I had a great day out in Brighton! We had traditional English fish 'n' chips by the sea, played on the penny arcade (and got beaten by an eight year old! haha!) and went into a the 'glitterball disco' which was a day-time karaoke bar which was great fun!

I've been ill for a the last few days and the sea air 'blew the cobwebs off,' as my mum would say, so it wasn't an amazing day for fashion for me. When you're a bit under the weather, comfort is the main priority. Which just shows that clothes are just as much about how they make you FEEL as how they make you LOOK. I wore:

White short sleeve t-shirt from Principles
Layered under a grey vest top from New Look
Jeans (which I ripped a hole in! haha)
Grey plimsolls
Long chain necklace and Bag from Accessorise
Silver watch from Morgan
Hat from Top Shop

So casual but comfy!

We had a great play list going in the car including some old classics:

Sweet Dreams - Beyonce
Take That
Don't stop believeing - Journey
Poker face - Lady Gaga

I even found a little pebble which said 'I Love You' on it! Awww Spread the Love people!

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Colours Therapy: How to Make Your Clothes Make You Happy

2011-08-25T01:24:00.001+01:00

Hello Gorgeous,

Have you ever noticed that sometimes just by putting on your favourite top you have a great day? There’s no denying there’s a correlation between looking great and feeling great. But how about what colour you wear effecting your mood? Is there a more literal meaning to the saying ‘seeing red?’ Well, according to the scientists at the Feng Shui Society, the colours you see can really affect your mood:

“Our bodies are stimulated and energised by some colours, or calmed and relaxed by others. Mentally and emotionally, colour works on a deep level, changing our mood and our sense of well being, as well as others' perception of us.”

so what colours for what moods?

Black: Associated with silence and death it can be a ‘heavy’ colour to wear. Black is often a sombre colour but it can also be sophisticated and can allow you to blend in and hide from the world.

Red: Has physical associations with the body and blood as well as love and romance. If you see something red it is even said to help circulation. Hence why so many people have it as a dating colour, in the hope they get their loved one’s blood pumping! Because of this it also represents vitality, ambition, power and prosperity.

Orange: Is a warm and happy colour. It frees and releases emotions and is fun and uplifting.

Yellow: Also a bright and happy colour, and is associated with the intellectual side of the brain. So, if you want to have an organised day then yellow is the colour for you. If also helps you be clear headed, alert and decisive

Green: Is the colour of nature, its balancing and calming. If you’re in a stressful situation, you naturally seek it out as it soothes and calms the emotions.

Blue: is cooling, calming and relaxing like the deep blue sea and can also help you to be reflective.

Purple: Is a deep rich colour which is spiritual, artistic and creative.

White: The colour of purity, it is a colour of protection and alleviates emotional shock and despair and is another reflective colour. However, it can also be very cold and isolating.

So next time you’re dreading doing a presentation at work, reach for the yellow dress for an instant pick-me-up. Or when you’re picking out a vest top for your yoga class, perhaps blue would be best?

Embrace the Feng Shui of fashion in your wardrobe and become one with nature. Oh, darn it’s that green top influencing me again!

Hugs and cupcakes,

Love from Coco and Destiny

2011-08-17T09:37:00.000+01:00

Picture from: Here

Truth from the queen of fashion herself. You never know when you're going to step out of the door and meet the most amazing person!

Hugs and cupcakes,

Fairy Photoshoot

2011-08-13T16:25:00.000+01:00

Heya Guys,

I did a photoshoot last year with a fairies theme and thought I would share it all with you! As you know, at the moment I've got an internship at a top designer fashion company so finding time to do blogs is quite difficult! But, I will be back and better than ever and ready to share everything I've learnt sooon :0)

Love and Cupcakes,

The Best of Top Shop's New in

2011-07-05T22:36:00.001+01:00

Belted dress, £36
Blue print dress, £50
Red chinese Blouse, £40.00
Love racerback vest, £25.00
White Guernsey Style Jumper, £38.00
TopShop leather shoes, £28.00
TopShop leather clutch, £16.00
Peacock feather earrings, £13

I want everything here so so much! What do you think of the new things Topshop has got out?

Hugs and cupcakes,

Backstage at Dolce and Gabanna Summer 2012 show

2011-07-03T21:50:00.000+01:00

Hiya guys,

Here's some backstage pictures of the Dolce and Gabanna Men's Sumner 2012 show. D&G comments about the features of the show:

FOULARDThe whole collection is characterized by the use of foulards as the central element in the making of blazers, bomber-jackets, t-shirts, trousers, shorts and accessories.

NEW PROPORTIONSBoth volume and fit get softer for a more relaxed style.

FABRICSApart from foulards, denim, washed linen and touches of leather have been used.

ACCESSORIESHand-stitched moccasins in foulard-printed suede. Raffia or foulard-printed hats.

Really this blog post is just an excuse to see lots of beautiful D&G Men

So Oriental style patterns everywhere, great accessories and bright colours. Perfect for summer!

Is your man into fashion? Or does he just stick to the classics?

Hugs and Cupcakes,

All pictures courtesey of Dolce and Gabanna facebook page

Yves Saint Laurent - Pre Spring/Summer 2012 - Poppies and Playsuits

2011-06-29T22:12:00.000+01:00

This winter go for the red coat and you'll be bang on trend where ever you go! A pop of colour never hurt anyone! ;)

Heya Guys,

I just wanted to share with you Yves Saint Laurent's (YSL) Pre Spring/Summer 2012 collection which has just been shown at New York Fashion Week. YSL has a sucessful makeup range and fragrances but it never seems to get the fashion praise it deserves. Enjoy!

This shows how simple colours can really create elegence. Pure white by itself just screams fresh, light and carefree. The poppy detailing at the bottom of the trousers is delicate and cute, taking the floral trends from summer 2011 and simplyfying it to one simple motif. (Just be careful if you're wearing this and eating spagetti bolognaise in the streets of Milano ladies! yes, it's happened, and no Ariel did not make it 'whiter than white' again! haha!)

Now this my friends is one sexy ass play suit. Damn! I gotta get me one of these! Now, I know a lot of people think that if you're not straight-up-straight-down-like-a-bean-pole then you wouldn't be able to pull a look like this off, but I can assure you that accesorisation is the key! If you want to cover your legs, opt for a longer one, perhaps in a slimming black. But make sure you get a waist belt which is bright or jeweled and pretty so it gives you a great waist. Then, pile on the bangles and bling. Where ever you want to draw attention to! and BAM! One sexy Mamma!

The bright blue poppy! This just shows you don't have to bear-all or even wear heels to catch the eye. The print is just gorgeous

A quiff is a great quick hair do in the morning. just take the top section of hair from the front of your head twist at the back and clip with pins and set with hair spary. If your hair is a little thin you can always back comb it first to give it a little oompf

A truly stunning piece! The anchor motif draws your eye down toward the bright knot detailing and the simple hair/makeup and accessories ensures you don't get distracted from the striking dress. Fantastic combination of summer brights and nautical trends.

What were your favouritr parts of the Spring/Summer collection?

Hugs and Cupcakes

The Best of Zara

2011-06-11T23:35:00.000+01:00

Kate Middleton in a blue Zara dress (still available now if you like it, it's the Halterneck dress £35.99)

Heya guys,

Zara has been thrust firmly into the spotlight as a favourite high street brand of Kate Middleton. Although they don't have as many stores as Dorothy Perkins, it still has a good range with some very fashionable pieces alongside some classics. It must also be mentioned that they have a fantastic environmental and animal welfare record so you can feel good as well as look fabulous.

Here I round up my favourite pieces of this seasons collection.

Flared raincoat £79.99. Will never go out of fashion and is similar to many of the famous Burberry trench.

Take on the Block colouring trend with this 'Halter Neckline Dress,' £39.99. It would look fantastic with white accessories.

A smart classic blazer: £49.99, will dress up any outfit.

Openwork Snakeskin Slingbacks £59.99 will go perfectly with this summers trend for white and Monochrome as seen in Chanel's Cruise Collection

Butterfly Scarf £19.99. Some lovely scarves by Zara, and the Butterfly motif has become really popular at the moment.

All pictures were from Zara. These prices are subject to change so don't blame me if they do :)

What have you been loving in the Zara range at the moment? Do you shop there often?

Hugs and cupcakes,

Things to make you Happy on a Rainy Day

2011-06-10T15:38:00.002+01:00

Heya guys,

I woke up this morning

and the weather was pouring

It was gloomy, wet and gray,

but don't worry about the day

we shall have a great time

hope you like my rhyme,

with pictures, colours and sweet

cupcakes and dancing to the beat.

Hope this makes you smile,

This website shows you baby animals in the snow

All images from Pinterest

Hugs and cupcakes,

Fashion A-Z: A is for Armani

2011-06-08T12:33:00.000+01:00

Heya Divas,

My friend and I were chatting today about how in a perfect world I am going to find Armani's grandson, make him fall hopelessly in love with me and that will be my happy ending. But in the meantime here's the essential info you-need-to-know about Armani guide

The godfather of Italian fashion design Giorgio Armani once said:

"Women want to be sexy, so ... I will make them sexy.”

A bold statement perhaps, but for someone who has been working in the fashion industry since the 1960's and launched his own brand in 1974, it's no wonder he has such conviction.

"Androgynous today means that men and women have the same attitude towards what they want to wear, ... It's not unisex dressing, but more the idea that you can see a jacket on a woman in this show, which you can just as easily see on a man.”

Armani restructured the jacket for a softer tailored look by eliminating shoulder pads and linings which can be suitable (pun intended!) for both men and women. He took a timeless look at made it his own. His style is elegant and understated. It plays with layers of texture and colour they have a timeless quality which is emphasised by nostalgic advertising. His style has been described as a post modern which is suited to life in the city.

Key Design Features:

Fall 09 - showing a little detail can make a suit as feminine as a dress.

Women:

Peter pan collars on simple blouses,
Navy blazers with matching skirts or tailored trousers.
Gabardine denim

Linen suit from Summer '09

Men:

Navy blazers,
Crumpled linen jackets,
Leather blousons (1980)
Oversized coats.

Both men's and women's designs include subtle patterns, textures, monochrome colours, optic whites, and easy lines with a twist such as low slung buttons on double breasted suits. He also designed a range of sportswear including Reebok, fragrances and a range of childrens clothing called 'Armani Junior.'

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Giorgio Armani Spring 2011

2011-05-27T10:05:00.000+01:00

I'm loving these new Georgio Armani Spring/Summer Adverts. The Turban and The navy are so Rich in colour and look as though they've been inspired by the decadence of Orient.

I've been buried under a pile of books in the library for a while (final year exams! eek!) but now it's time to get back to fashion so get excited for lots mroe blog posts soon!

Also, *whispers* I have a new job so expect a few Office Fashion blog posts soon! :)

Love and cupcakes,

Pictures are Forever

2011-05-07T11:29:00.000+01:00

Heya Guys,

Way back in January I did a photo shoot with my Friend Mel, who is an awesome photographer witht the theme 'Something extraordinary, in the ordinary.' So we decided on a summer clothes photoshoot in Winter with Mickey Mouse ears. It was sooooooo cold, it was actually snowing the day before.

It reminds me of a quote which is apparently from Brad Pitt when he was filming on a cold night and he said, "cold is temporary, movies are forever." So that was really going through my mind when we did these pictures. Enjoy!

Of course, as we were shooting this in January all of these clothes are last season so won't be available in the shops anymore.

Hope you like these final versions,

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Have Some Heart Paperclips

2011-04-23T19:34:00.002+01:00

Heya!

This idea is just too cute not to share. They are the perfect thing to brighten any day!

Pictures and craft idea from: here

Hope you're all well, Hugs and Cupcakes,

Jenny from the Block: Muimui Spring Summer 2011

2011-04-22T21:26:00.002+01:00

Hey Girlies,

Are you enjoying the sunshine? I am, barbeques, sitting in the sun reading, relaxing, bliss!

I've just seen the fantastic backstage pictures of Muimui Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Everything is just fabulous and shows the block colouring trend replicated in highstreet stores such as Dorothy Perkins.

I recently bought a bright yellow halter neck top which I am rocking with a pair of denim shorts from River island. The best thing about brights? anyone can pull it off, just find the right shade for you. It also doesn't have to break the bank as you can update your wardrobe with a bright vest top. I love seeing how all the top designers have inspired the trend, so enjoy!

Here the block colouring is reflected in the makeup with statement pillarbox red lips, dark eyeshadow and huge lashes. Rememeber to apply with a lipstick brush for a smooth edge!

All backstage pictures from Muimui

I hope you all have a wonderful easter, and remember, go for the brightest top possible and you'll be trendy what ever you do!

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Royally True

2011-04-20T11:12:00.002+01:00

Polish up: Nail Polish Know-How

2011-04-15T14:38:00.001+01:00

Heya girlies,

Now all my work is done,
what will get me out of bed
when the summer sun has gone
is pretty nails in pink, yellow and red :)

Well, the sunny spell seems to be over in my part of England but get a little sunshine back in your life with some summer nail colours! (and random poetry) The best thing about nail polish is you can treat yourself to something new and it doesn't have to cost the earth, Barry M and Rimmel do some really cheap ones which are fantastic!

5 Nail polish colours every girl should have:

1) The Perfect Pink

There are so many shades and so little time! What other colour can make you feel like such a girl?

2) Classic French Manicure

Picture from here

For those job interviews, seeing your grandma and getting married to Prince William (Hint, hint Kate Middleton) nothing beats a french Manicure for looking 'polished' (pun intended!) I mean, it's French so it's gotta be classy, right?

The tricky thing about a French manicure is getting the tips perfect. The best way to do this is either:

a) put masking tape over your nails leaving a small slither at the top which you can then paint white and take the tape off once it's dry, and THEN paint on the pink over the top (or you can buy little stickers from your local store)

b) If you have longer nails and a steady hand paint your tips horizontally, instead of length ways and you'll find it much easier.

c) Sally Hansen does a pencil which whitens the tips of your nail which you just rub underneath which is good but not quite as polished as the actual nail polish method. It's called '2 in 1 nail white pencil'

3) Lady in Red

Picture from here

What is it about red nail polish and a bit of red lippy that is so so seductive? It also goes perfectly with a 'Little Black Dress.'

4) Black to the Future

okay, so it may be a little gothic, but don't underestimate the power of black nail polish. It is so versatile and will go with everything.

Top tip: Make sure you use a base coat so your finger nails don't get stained.

5) Sparkles, rainbows and happy happy colours

And then there's that whole heap of nail colours which just make you happy for no reason at all :)

and also this is such a great idea:

I love the strawberry one! I hope this inspires you to get painting! :)

Hugs and cupcakes,

Skeleton Key

2011-04-07T15:16:00.001+01:00

Picture from here

Today I bought a necklace like a key. I like to think it's the key to my heart and it's all mine. Or it might be the key to sucess. Or the key to the door of heaven. I love that it's loaded with meaning. The key to my mind? Apparently as it's silver that means temporal power. Do you have a key necklace and what does it mean to you?

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Emma xox

Smile, You're Amazing!

2011-04-06T20:14:00.000+01:00

Picture from here

This is SO true. Remember girls, Smile because you're unique and amazing!

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Carousel Makeup

2011-03-26T12:26:00.000+00:00

Good Morning!

Sorry, for my blogging absence but my final third year papers are due in soon and I've been busy preparing to do the makeup for my university's production of Carousel. (Eeeeeee! exciting!)

Julie is wearing YSL foundation, with a coral blush, red lipstick and brown eyeshadow from The Body Shop. and I just used a little concealer on the guy playing Billy. Don't they look fantastic?

Over the next week I will be doing the makeup (with a little help!) for a cast of 35 people so I'm going to be rushed off my feet I'm sure!

The Cast are an extremely talented bunch of people and have worked so hard rehearsing this musical. I've watched a couple of dress rehearsals and it still makes me laugh. I'm so excited to see it on stage with all the makeup costume, lights and scenery.

Not quite as excited as Music Theatre Society President Lucie Nash will be on opening night though; “I can’t wait to see how people react to Carousel – it has been such an exciting few months putting it all together and everyone involved has worked incredibly hard. I have an extremely talented cast and I know they’ll do Rodgers & Hammerstein justice. ”

If you do live in the Kent, UK, area you can get tickets from the Whitstable playhouse by clicking here

Here's a picture of me with the 'old look' makeup which, quite frankly, is the stuff of nightmares! haha! I'm sooooo sexy! ;) This is what happens if you don't use SPF moisturiser everyday people!

I will be doing a tutorial on how to recreate this look if you ever need to, for Halloween or stage or just generally to scare your housemates so watch out for that after all this madness is done!

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Pop Tart: Spring Colour in Elle Magazine

2011-03-18T20:11:00.000+00:00

French Elle Magazine
Model: Toni Garrn
Photographer: David Slijper + Fabrice Bouquet
Styled by: Julie Chanut Bombard

I didn't think anything would be better or cooler than black nail varnish, but, Wow! Isn't this spring 'pop of colour' funky? The coral nail avrnish is divine and refreshing whilst the block colouring eyeshadow really makes a statement. Spring is definately here and I'm loving it! What do you think? Love or loathe girlies?

I shall keep my eyes peeled for similar colours on the highstreet and letyou know what I find! (Though I won't be able to buy any because of my shopping ban! haha)

Hugs and cupcakes,

Love Letter to the Universe

2011-03-15T15:39:00.000+00:00

Picture from kind over matter

There is a lot of wisdom in this post from one of my favourite blogs, Kind Over Matter. I hope it inspires you all to be yourself no matter what, don't let anyone or anything bring you down. Stay Happy :)

Love and Cupcakes,

Shopoholics Anonymous

2011-03-13T21:08:00.000+00:00

Picture from: Pinterest

Hello Girlies! Long time no see!

My apologies for the absence, I've been busy and having man-troubles! Gah! But it's all good now and I'm back better than ever! :)

Anyway, I wanted to fill you in on my latest challenge. I've given up shopping for lent. I'm still allowing myself to buy: Food (of course!) and other actual essential thing like shampoo and conditioner and that's about it!

I know its shocking! and I may single handedly put Britain back into a recession! But it had got to the point where everytime I went out shopping I would HAVE to buy something or I would come home disapointed. None of this 'window-shopping' stuff. Genuine purchases. Which is just ridiculous because my wardrobe is literally bulging. I don't even have room for all the clothes I do have at the moment let alone buying new ones!

Now, just to make things clear, shopping in itself isn't really a bad thing. It's just when you shop to fill a void or make yourself feel better or because you're bored that it becomes a problem. I know I'm terrible for buying things when I'm stressed or upset, does it make me feel better? short term, yes, long term no because then I have no money and I'm still stressed!

Picture by Luca Mainni

Lets get one thing straight, I love love love shopping like the next girl but shopping, in itself, is never going to make you happy. When I went travelling I met people who, to me, were poor. They didn't have two pennies to rub together. But it made me realise (and this may sound like a cliche!) but they actually had rich lives because they had close families and friends and were able to see the humour in every situation, and that's real happiness!

The other thing which I'm terrible for is buying things I don't need just because it's a bargain. Red shoes only £15?! I NEED them! but do I need them when I have 4 other pairs of red shoes at home? . . . . If you're saying yes,
then you're wrong! ha ha!

Good anti-shopping websites:
Guardian Thrift Guide: How to Stop Shopping
How to stop shopping: Sophie-Kinsella's guide to keeping shopping addiction check

So, do you find yourself making snap purchases? Do you think I'll be able to last 40 days and 40 nights or do you think I'll start going crazy and have to do 200 fashion blog posts a day to satisfy my shopping needs?

Who knows? Maybe I'll cave the next time I'm in Primark! We'll just have to see . . .

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Happy International Women's Day

2011-03-08T22:39:00.002+00:00

Hey Girlies,

I am a huge huge supporter of women's rights. Not in a 'I hate men' kinda way but in a I deserve just as many oppotuinites kind of way. I thought this Video with Dame Judi Dench and Daniel Craig was very intersting. Enjoy! Emma x x

This Season's Must have Trousers: The Flare

2011-03-06T11:25:00.000+00:00

Heya guys,

This is the last post in the 'How to Wear this Seasons Trousers' series and it's having a look at the Flare.

http://blog.shopbop.com/

The Flare:

The great thing is that the flare is super flattering for most body shapes. If you're curvy it will emphasise your curves and if you're not they'll make you look more curvy. (Sounds great, eh?) You can also get highwaisted versions to flatter your tummy too. They've been all over the runway the past two seasons and have been popular with lots of celebrities too so you don't have to worry about them looking dated.

They look fabulous if you want to go with the whole 70's trend and get a bit Boho but they really are so versatile you can put them with anything.

Have you got any great ways of wearing your flares? or do you think they're a bit dated?

Lert m know what you think!

Hugs and Cupcakes,